Logano honored as champion in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Joey Logano, sitting at the head table with his parents, wife, in-laws and team owner Roger Penske at the NASCAR Awards Banquet, was honored as the champion of NASCAR’s top series at the sanctioning body’s annual ceremony held Thursday night at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Logano was the final driver to make remarks Thursday night, thanking his team, sponsors and family for his journey in becoming a NASCAR champion.

The 28-year-old driver ended his speech by challenging all in attendance to strive to do good for their fellow man through charity work and donating their time.

“Let’s just remember that life is so much more than what we see here tonight,” Logano said. “So I want to thank the racing community for all you’ve done for, not just for me, but for countless others. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, let’s have some fun tonight!”

The banquet, which aired live on NBCSN, was hosted by NBC’s Rutledge Wood and Kelli Stavast with co-host Marty Snyder. All 16 playoff drivers made remarks with most being interviewed.

In addition to the remarks, Chase Elliott was named the Most Popular Driver for the first time in his Cup Series career, an award his father Bill Elliott earned 16 times.

“Just appreciate everybody for voting,” Elliott said. “At the end of the day, the votes are awesome, people taking the time to pull for us throughout the year.”

Former Hendrick Motorsports teammate and 15-time Most Popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. presented Elliott with the award. Other drivers who won the award include Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison and Richard Petty.

Curtis Turner was the first winner of the award in 1949.

SOURCES
Racing-Reference.info